U.S. Army Sergeant Jennifer Smith is a signal support systems specialist. Photo: U.S. Army

Attracting new people to the industry is one of recurring issues the satellite industry faces. While space has undoubtedly become cooler in recent years, there is still much work to be done across the globe to bring young people into the industry. The U.S. Army’s recent campaign “What’s Your Warrior” is working to attract Generation Z to the different types of careers in the Army, including satellite.

Sergeant Jennifer Smith, who is taking part in the campaign, has a strong satellite and technology background. Smith helps prevent evolving threats to the U.S. in her role as signal support systems specialist. Whether helping the Army communicate through crypto communications or exploring new avenues to facilitate and improve those communications, her role is a vital part of the Army’s electronic warfare operations.

Smith says it is common for people to have a basic understanding of satellites but not be aware of the opportunities in the industry and military careers in satellite. Before she joined the Army, she never thought about dealing with satellites.

“When I think of IT, I don’t think of satellites. I joined the Army when I was 21 and computers were where I excelled. Once I did the research, I figured out I wanted to be a signals support specialist,” she said. “Once I was integrated into the systems company, I learned so much more about satellites. It opened up my knowledge base. If I didn’t join the Army, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn about satellites.”

Smith says that whenever she goes a school to talk to students, they are interested in satellites and want to learn more. “I feel [satellites] are still a very niche part of technology, a lot of people don’t know about them. But, once people find out about satellites, everybody wants to know more,” she said. “Satellites are a heavy topic, not just because they look interesting, but because we rely on them on so many levels. With the advances in the commercial space industry, rockets and satellites have moved into more mainstream media and are attracting more individuals, especially from Gen Z.”

One of the themes Smith has noticed when talking to students is that they are very interested in researching and forming their own ideas about an issue or topic. Through the “What’s Your Warrior” campaign, she is encouraging Gen Z to consider the variety of careers in the military, like her career as a signal support systems specialist.

“The Army has over 200 careers to choose from. If they are interested in satellites, there are definitely opportunities for them to choose from,” Smith said. “Every day I get the pleasure of meeting new individuals with a job that I didn’t even consider. I would tell young people to look into all of the opportunities available and pick what benefits them with a job that fits their personal interests.”